Director’s Comments…...

It’s been a busy month as we usher in Fall and all the fun

programs. Your center is booming with activities and the hustle

and bustle of fall trips, family reunions, weddings, fundraisers

and “ELVIS”! Yes, Elvis was in Brevard and he took everyone

who attended our first “Elvis” fundraiser, back to the 50’s & 60’s

rock era and then to the 70’s “white pantsuit” era’. Everyone

had such a good time reminiscing and singing along to many of

the rock, gospel and patriotic songs Elvis had recorded.

Our sincere thanks to all who donated items for the silent auc-

tion, bought tickets, and volunteered their time. It was deemed

a success and will certainly be a repeat in the future .

October should be lots of fun. Their will be a Haunted Trail here

at Silvermont and the annual Halloweenfest uptown. Check

your local Transylvania Times for more information on these

events. Before we know it, the holidays will be here. I hope

you all enjoy the fall color, the cool air and all of the outdoor ac-

tivities you can fit into October.

While the air is cool and crisp, our center is still warm and invit-

ing. Stop by for a class, a cup of Joe or to pick up a

newsletter. So until then.….

Sincerely

Chris Parker, SOC Director

Silvermont Opportunity Center

364 East Main Street

Brevard, NC 28712

Phone: 828-884-3166

Email:

silvermont@wcca.net

Enjoying the Peak of Life

The mission of the Silvermont Opportunity Center is to invigorate and

enhance the quality of life for adults over the age of sixty in Transylva-

nia County. We provide a range of services, activities, programs, and opportunities designed to encourage active aging and improve the

health & well-being of older adults in our community.

Silvermont Opportunity Center is open to all who are 60 years of age and better. There are no membership fees. You may make a donation to Silver-mont to help underwrite the costs of our programs, instructors and program

equipment. All donations are appreciated and are tax deductible.

Living the Dream SOC Newsletter, October 2015

A Division of

Western Carolina Community Action

www.wcca.net

* Continuing in October * * New Classes for October *

Exploring Pastels with Deborah Kidwell Tuesdays 10:30 until noon

October 13th, 20th and 27th

Week 1: landscape

Week 2: still life object

Week 3: floral or bird

$35. for 3 weeks of classes

Includes : set of 48 pastels, sanded paper each week, frame for your favorite piece

Call the center to register at 884-3166.

NO PREVIOUS ART EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Social Dance

Beginning Thursday, October 1st, Social Dance Instructor, Rhonda Taylor, will be teaching Single Time Swing and Triple Time Swing dances. These dances are easy to learn and fun to do. Whether dancing single time or triple time, you are sure to have a blast and get a great workout. The cost is $12.00 for singles per class and $20.00 per couple per class. The class will meet every Thursday in October from 5:30-6:30pm at Silvermont. Call 884-3166 to register.

S low and Easy Dulcimer Players

Do you wish you could play your mountain dulcimer, one that may be just sitting around collecting dust? Then join the folks at Silvermont twice a

month to learn how to play beautiful music. Beginner, advanced beginner and novice players will meet in separate small groups, each with a leader, and learn how to play some familiar songs. The first Slow and Easy Dulcimer class will begin on Thursday, October 8 from 2-3pm at the Silvermont Opportunity Center. If you are new and need help tuning your dulcimer, please arrive by 1:30 so we can help you get tuned up. We want everyone to have fun and enjoy learning new skills at their own pace. Classes will be held twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 2pm. There is no charge for the class, however, donations are suggested for use of the center. A dulcimer book is required and can be ordered ahead of time, or at the first class (about $22). Please contact Mary Sherwood at 966-9628 or email at maryc@comporium.net for more in-formation or to sign up.

Gentle Yoga

Pilates & Yoga Flow Class

This continuing gentle but challenging class is for all ages. It has segments in Pilates Core Mat Exercises and a Slow

Yoga Flow. Can help alleviate stiffness, fatigue and aches and pains naturally.

When: Tuesdays, 6-7pm

Class Runs: Oct. 13—Dec. 15 Cost: $72 for 10 sessions. Facilitator: Kashmyra Asnani

Please bring Lotus Yoga mat and Yoga Strap

To Register Call Silvermont

This class has segments in Pilates Pos-ture Training, core Movement mechanics

followed by Gentle Yoga Postures. This senior’s class is for beginners, peo-ple with injuries, health challenges, or

who just need to get back in shape.

When: Thursdays, 10:30—11:30am Class Runs: Oct. 15—Dec. 17

Cost: $72 for 9 sessions. Facilitator: Kashmyra Asnani

Please bring Yoga mat

To Register Call Silvermont (828) 884-3166

AARP Safe Driving Course

D riving can be hazardous. Cars have changed. So have traf-fic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50+ have never looked back since they got their first driver's licenses, but even the most ex-

perienced drivers can benefit from brushing up on their driving skills. The AARP Smart Driver Course is scheduled for Friday, October 9 from 9:00am – 1:00pm at Silvermont Opportunity Center and will teach you all of this and more. In addition, you'll learn:

How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots

How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car

The safest ways to change lanes and make turns at busy intersec-tions

Ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabili-ties

The effects of medications on driving

Founded in 1979, the AARP Driver Safety course has helped millions of drivers stay safe on the roads. Although the course is geared to drivers age 50 and older, it is open to people of all ages. AARP membership is not required to take the course and there are no tests to pass. The classroom course costs only $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.

To register, call 884-3166

Elvis Has Left The Building…..

But not before he had everyone Rockin’ and Rollin’ to fabulous music! Our “Elvis Tribute” fundraiser was a huge success and we want to thank everyone who came out to support Silver-mont Opportunity Center on September 19. The Masonic Lodge was transformed into a Las Ve-gas stage as Elvis entertained the crowd with his most popular songs. We all had a great time!

Do you care for someone with Alzheimer’s? Plan activities that the person with Alzheimer’s enjoys. He or she can be a part of the activity or just watch. Also, you don't always have to be the "activities director." Adult day care services provide a safe environment, activities, and staff who take care of the person with Alzheimer’s at their own facility. For information on adult day care services that might help you, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit their website at www.eldercare.gov. Here are things you can do to help the person enjoy an activity.

Match the activity with what the person with Alzheimer’s can do. Choose activities that can be fun for everyone. Help the person get started. Decide if he or she can do the activity alone or needs help. Watch to see if the person gets frustrated. Make sure he or she feels successful and has fun. Let him or her watch, if that is more enjoyable. The person with Alzheimer’s can do different activities each day. These could include

household chores such as washing dishes, setting the table, or preparing food

cooking and baking such as mixing, measuring and pouring or tasting the food

interacting with children by reading stories, playing board games, or sharing memories from childhood

music and dancing, including playing CDs and tapes or singing or danc-ing to well-known tunes

interacting with pets, including caring for, feeding and grooming them gardening

Caregiver Tip of the Month

Wedding Bells at Lunch Plus Program Rosemary Whitmire and Jerry Heckman met at the Lunch Plus Program and Jerry recently “popped the question” And Rosemary said……..”YES!”

The Lunch Plus participants enjoyed a day at the WNC Mountain State Fair.

Following a feast of funnel cakes, corn dogs, French fries and lemonade, we

went to lunch at Cracker Barrel. Thanks to Kris and Jim, our wonderful TC van drivers for the

transportation and laughs.

Lunch Plus September Spotlight

Silvermont Opportunity Center Activities Ageless Grace: This seated, upbeat and fun exercise program, taught by certified instructor, Carol Gerson, addresses balance, flexibility, muscle strength, breathing and self-confidence. $40.00 for 8-9 week session. Bridge: Join one of our largest programs as they try to trick their oppo-nents. Consisting of placing bets where the highest trump wins is just part of this highly popular card game. Free Write: Eager to w rite? Join class instructor, Darleen O ’Dell, as she leads you in a writing session. Lunch Plus: I f you are age 60 or older and would like to come out M-F and enjoy a morning activity and a hot lunch consider calling the center for more infor-mation and enrollment. This program is funded through our Home & Community Care Block grant. Mah Jongg: Join the longest running program at Silvermont. This is a game of Chinese origin, played by 4 people and beautiful tiles. The object of the game is to build a winning combo of tiles. Mountain Music: A Silvermont tradition, this Thursday night jam session features some of the finest bluegrass pickers and singers in our area. Always open to the public, musicians are welcome to play and sing. Non-Fiction Book Club: Come out on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am to discuss books of local interest and find out the book choice of the month. Pilates & Yoga Flow: This continuing gentle but challenging class is for all ages. It has segments in Pilates Core Mat Exercises & a Slow Yoga Flow and is Facilitated by Kashmyra Asnani. Readers Theater: This award w inning program originated in Michigan in 1992 by Julie Vorus who brought the program to our center. Participants will read one act plays, scenes, monologs and radio and television scripts in a relaxed at-mosphere. No auditions, memorizing or experience required! Sit & Stitch: Bring your knitting, crocheting or needlework and join this talented group of women for a “Sit & Stitch” morning.

Slow & Easy Dulcimer Practice: Bring your Dulcimer and practice on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Silvermont with renowned Dulcimer teacher/player, Mary Sherwood. No experience required, only a Dulcimer. Social Dance: Learn to dance gracefully for weddings, ballrooms or nightclubs with instructor Rhonda Smith. The cost is $20/couple per class and $12/ singles per class. Call 884-3166 to register. Super Scrabble: Join our word-game lovers to play on the big board to create words in a crossword style. Tai Chi: Andrea Heidmann leads this class in this Chinese martial art and meditative exercise with the assistance of videos. Tech Guy Assistance: Volunteer Mike McLain w ill meet w ith you for 1 hour one-on-one to assist you in answering questions you have about your technical device (camera, computer, cell phone, computer, IPAD, IPOD etc.) This is a FREE service but you must register by calling the center at 884-3166 to schedule an appointment for Mondays between 1pm and 4pm. Woodcarving: Open to all skill levels. Come out and enjoy one of Appalachia’s oldest art forms—woodcarving. Led by master carver Carl Munn. Yoga: Join instructor, Andrea Heidmann, as she leads the class for increased mediation, better posture and improved breathing with video assistance. Gentle Yoga: This class is facilitated by Kashmyra Asnani and incor-porates segments in Pilates Posture Training and Core Movement Mechanics Followed by Gentle Yoga Postures. Zumba: Join instructor Rianna Perry-Mullins as she leads a great cardi-o/dance workout to popular upbeat Latin music. Call 884-3166 for fees. Drop-In Activities: Board Games, Higher Grounds Coffee Room, In-ternet Access, Walking Trails, Tennis Courts, Basketball Court, Lending Li-brary, Puzzles, Learning Gardens, Information Center, Mountain Music.

1 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus

9-10am Yoga Practice 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 3-5pm Woodcarving 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

2 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Freewrite Friday 12noon SOC Closed

5 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-4pm Mah Jongg

6 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 10:30-11:30am Non-Fiction Book Club 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Social Bridge

7 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9:45-10:15am TCL Book Mobile 10-12pm Sit ‘n” Stitch 11:30-12:30pm Ageless Grace 12:30-2pm Super Scrabble 1-2pm Bridge 101 1-4pm Glen Cannon Bridge 1-4pm Mah Jongg

8 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Yoga Practice 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 2-3:00pm Slow & Easy Dulcimer Players 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

9 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-1pm AARP Safe Driving Course 9-10am Freewrite Friday 12noon SOC Closed

12 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Tech Guy (By Appointment Only)

13 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus

8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 10:30-12pm Exploring Pastels 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Social Bridge 6-7pm Yoga & Pilates Flow

14 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-12pm Sit ‘n” Stitch 11:30-12:30pm Ageless Grace 12:30-2pm Super Scrabble 1-2pm Bridge 101 1-4pm Mah Jongg

15 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Yoga Practice 10:30-11:30am Gentle Yoga 10-12pm Toasty Toes 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 3-5pm Woodcarving 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

16 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Freewrite Friday 12noon SOC Closed 2-4pm 2nd Floor Museum Tours

19 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-4pm Mah Jongg

20 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 10:30-12pm Exploring Pastels 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Social Bridge 6-7pm Yoga & Pilates Flow

21 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-12pm Sit ‘n” Stitch 11:30-12:30pm Ageless Grace 12:30-2pm Super Scrabble 1-2pm Bridge 101 1-4pm Glen Cannon Bridge 1-4pm Mah Jongg

22 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Yoga Practice 10:30-11:30am Gentle Yoga 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 2-3:00pm Slow & Easy Dulcimer Players 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

23 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Freewrite Friday 12noon SOC Closed

26 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Tech Guy (By Appointment Only)

27 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 10:30-12pm Exploring Pastels 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Social Bridge 6-7pm Yoga & Pilates Flow

28 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-12pm Sit ‘n” Stitch 11:30-12:30pm Ageless Grace 12:30-2pm Super Scrabble 1-2pm Bridge 101 1-4pm Mah Jongg

29 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Yoga Practice 10:30-11:30am Gentle Yoga 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 3-5pm Woodcarving 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

30 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 9-10am Freewrite Friday 12noon SOC Closed